In New York City, police respond to an average of 680 domestic violence calls every single day. In a world overwhelmed by gender-based violence, we empower survivors, shift the conversation, transform culture, and ensure our justice system serves those in need.
Advocating for survivors
Gender-Motivated Violence Act
In the fall of 2024, we launched a powerful campaign to raise awareness about the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA), a vital New York City law that empowers survivors to file civil lawsuits against abusers for acts of violence motivated by gender. This includes incidents of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, along with verbal or physical assault, among others. As part of this effort, we have been advocating for survivors to take advantage of a critical lookback window, which temporarily suspends the statute of limitations and allows individuals to file claims for incidents that occurred at any point in their lives. This window closes on February 28, 2025, after which the standard nine-year statute of limitations will once again apply. NOW-NYC is working to ensure survivors are informed of their rights and have the opportunity to seek justice and healing.
Statute of Limitations on Sex Trafficking
In 2025, NOW-NYC continues their three-year campaign to repeal the statute of limitations has momentum. to advocate for ending the statute of limitations on sex trafficking in New York State by supporting A.2575 (Dinowitz) / S.116 (Cleare)—a critical bill in the 2025-2026 legislative session that would eliminate the five-year limit on prosecuting sex trafficking and child sex trafficking. The bill also introduces a one-year lookback window, allowing survivors to file civil lawsuits against those who trafficked or exploited them, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Sex trafficking often goes unreported for years due to trauma, fear, and stigma, while traffickers use coercion, violence, and deception to exploit marginalized individuals for profit. Survivors deserve time and legal avenues to seek justice. NOW-NYC urges lawmakers to pass this bill and stand with survivors in the fight against impunity for traffickers and those who enable them. Take action HERE.
Improving Law Enforcement Response
Women’s Justice NOW, NOW-NYC’s sister organization, is advocating for critical reforms in how police and prosecutors respond to survivors of sexual assault. Explore our survey of anti-violence organizations, service providers, and rape crisis programs across NYC to learn about their observations, and read our recommendations for the essential reforms we are fighting to implement.
What would your life look like in a world without gender-based violence?
We have the collective power to transform our culture. The good news is that attitudes toward gender-based violence are shifting across generations. But there’s still more we can do. Discover how you can make a difference:
We’re challenging rape myths and demanding institutions do a better job at addressing sexual assault and gender-based violence. Here’s how:
Lifting Up Survivor Stories
Learn more about Women’s Justice NOW’s healing storytelling workshop for survivors.
Fighting Rape Culture
Through our legislative advocacy, we are working to pass laws that prevent violence and ensure justice and healing for survivors.
Listening to and centering survivors is a powerful catalyst for change. With every story, we are dismantling the culture that enables rape and sexual assault. Together, we are building a world where these forms of violence are no longer tolerated.
Gender Based Violence
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Child Abuse
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Domestic Violence
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Human Trafficking
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Rape and Sexual Assault